bus driver has been charged with leading a homophobic attack on a
10-year old student passenger.
The Kankakee Sheriff’s Police Department said that
the boy was taunted by the driver who then encouraged other
students to chase and beat the child.Chief Deputy Ken McCabe said the incident occurred on a Bourbonnais
Elementary School District bus which was returning students to
their homes last Friday.McCabe said the driver repeatedly called the boy “gay.”
“When the boy got off the bus, the driver encouraged several other
students to go after him and tackle him. Our investigation shows
that occurred,” McCabe told The Daily Journal.He also said the driver is under investigation for joining the
students in chasing the boy and grabbing him.Bourbonnais School District officials would only say the driver has
been terminated.Charged with mob action, endangering the life of a child and
battery is Russell A. Schmalz, 46.
Stay tuned to our blog as the story continues to develop.